Page 92 of Attraction (Mobsters + Billionaires 3)
Ford said Fallon isn’t the one who hurt him, but I know that motherfucker is involved somehow. Still, I kept my promise and haven’t pushed.
It hasn’t been easy.
Hopper is at my shoulder before I can even think to summon him.
“Whatever this is, it ain’t good, brother,” he says, bouncing subtly on his toes, looking between Byrne and O’Shea.
Ford startles at Hopper’s words, then greets my brother with a warm smile.
“Hey, Hop,” he says, leaving my arms to give him a hug. “That mask looks beautiful on you.”
Ford commissioned a black leather mask with black spiral horns for Hopper, and it looks wicked. Still, the way his eyes warm for Ford reminds me that in and around all of the violent crazy, my brother is good at heart. It’s clear from the way he treats him that Ford knows this to be true as well.
Unfortunately, the soft smile on Ford’s face drains when he spots Fallon.
“Um, Luca…”
“I see him.”
“What’s he doing here? Do you think he’s trying to cause trouble?” Ford asks, touching his mask.
“It doesn’t matter,” Hopper answers, placing his hand on Ford’s shoulder. “He won’t be causing any trouble for you.”
Ford swallows tightly, and I follow his line of sight.
Bingo.
Fallon is looking our way. Correction: he’s looking at Ford, and he needs to stop that shit right now.
“Maybe I shouldn’t have worn such a fancy mask,” Ford says, swallowing nervously. “I thought no one would recognize me but the paps…and nowhim.”
I put a steady hand on his shoulder. “It’s because the five of us are hanging out together. Multiple queer couples on the dance floor will always draw some attention in a place like this. I’m just curious about why they’ve been let in.”
“I’m on it, boss,” Hop says, beginning to head in his direction.
I should drag him back, but Hopper’s already warned him once, which should have done the trick. This is a pretty fucking ballsy move, and I don’t want this Fallon asshole to get comfortable in my presence.
Hop gets a few feet, then stops cold. He looks back at me with a broad grin, tipping his chin toward the entrance. A trim man in a nice suit with a simple mask walks through the entryway.
I shrug and raise my hands. “Who is that?”
“My plus-one,” he says, changing direction. “I’m going to go say hi.”
“Wait.” I take hold of my brother’s arm, thinking of the fifteen ways this could blow up in my face. “How do you know it’s him?”
“Duh. Look at the way his shoes are tied.” Hopper pops his brows at me. “Do you think he’ll dance with me?”
Oh, Hop.
“Brother, tonight has too many moving parts. I need you to stay here.”
Hopper scowls but stays in place.
Turning to Ford, I whisper, “Do you mind dancing with Hop for a second? I…something’s come up.”
“I don’t mind. Are you okay?”
“I think so.”
